CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 25th May 2011
Present
Mr J Vant, Mrs J Allen, Mrs H J Spragg, Mrs C Gough, Mrs B Humphreys, Ms H Pepler, Mr M Maxfield, Mr R Jones,
Mr F Hemmings, Mr D Richards, Mr N James, Mr R Smith, Mr D Evans, Mr J Pierce.
Cllrs I Roberts and T Evans, Wrexham CBC
Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
1.ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN.
One nomination was received. Cllr Mrs Jackie Allen nominated by Cllr Dewi Evans and seconded by Cllr
Mr Richard Jones. No other nomination was received and Cllr Mrs Jackie Allen was elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
In handing over to Cllr Vant Cllr Mr John Vant remarked that he was very pleased to have played her part during a busy year for the Council and how things had been dealt with. He thanked the Vice-Chairman and all members including the two local members of Wrexham CBC and also the Clerk for their help and support.
On taking the Chair Cllr Mrs Jackie Allen thanked members of the Council for electing her and for their support and thanked and congratulated Cllr Vant for his superb work during his year in office. Cllr Allen said she hoped she could continue the good work with the help of the Clerk.
2.ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN.
Two nominations were received. Cllr Barry Evans was nominated by Cllr David Richards and seconded by Cllr Clare Gough. Cllr Frank Hemmings was nominated by Cllr Raymond Smith and seconded by Cllr N James.
On being put to a ballot Cllr Barry Evans was elected Vice-Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year by a majority vote.
Cllr Evans thanked members for appointing him as Vice-Chairman.
3.APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.
The following committees agreed and members elected thereto: -
Burial Ground Committee. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr M Maxfield, Mr D Richards, Mr F Hemmings.
Planning Committee.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr D Richards, Mr F Hemmings, Mr N James, Mr D Evans, Mr M Maxfield,
Mrs H J Spragg Mr J Vant, Mrs B Humphreys.
Finance Committee.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr F Hemmings, Mr R Smith, Mrs H J Spragg, Mr J Vant, Ms H Pepler.
Recreation Grounds Committee.
Chairman, V/Chairman, Mr R Smith, Mr J E Pierce, Mr R Jones, Mrs H J Spragg.
Standing Orders Committee. Chairman, Mr J Vant, Mr F Hemmings, Mr R Smith
Special Committee.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr D Richards, Mr D Evans.
Consultations Committee. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr D Evans.
Footway Lighting Committee.
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr S Dineen, Mr R Jones, Ms H Pepler.
School Transport Committee – Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr F Hemmings, Mrs H J Spragg with
Cllrs Ian Roberts and Terry Evans.
APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES.
School Governors:
Ceiriog Junior School Chirk Mr R Smith Chirk Infants Mr F Hemmings.
Pentre Controlled Mr F Hemmings and Mrs B Humphreys.
Chirk Charities Mrs H J Spragg, Mr B Evans, Mr F Hemmings.
Chirk Environmental Liaison Group Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mrs H J Spragg, Mr D Richards, Mr R Jones.
Chirk Swimming Pool Trust. Mr B Evans and the Clerk.
Black Park Community Centre. Ms H Pepler and Mr J E Pierce
OneVoice Wales, Wrexham/Flint Area Regional Committee. Mrs J Allen.
Shrewsbury/Chester Rail Users Association. Mrs J Allen.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Mr F Hemmings
Chirk Air Training Corps. Mrs J Allen.
APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES (cont).
North East Wales Play and Playing Fields Association. The Clerk.
Penybont Liaison Group. Mr F Hemmings. Mrs B Humphreys.
Chirk Youth Football Club. Mr M Maxfield, Mr N James, Mr B Evans and Mrs C Gough.
Footpath Liaison. Mr F Hemmings and Mr R Jones.
Chirk/Ceiriog Valley Partnership. Ms H Pepler.
Chirk/Ceiriog Valley (Education) Liaison Committee. Mr N James, Mr D Evans and the Clerk.
Wrexham Police and Community Forum. Mrs J Allen.
Chirk Celebrations and Lights Committee. Mr F Hemmings, Mr N James, Mr B Evans.
Chirk Recreation Ground Trust. All members of the Council.
Chirk Youth Centre Management Committee. Mr F Hemmings, Mr N James, Mr R Jones, Mr M Maxfield.
Chirk Court Residential Home Management Committee. Mrs H J Spragg, (Deputy -Mr D Evans).
Chirk Community Forum. Cllr J Vant.
Wrexham CBC Community Council Forum. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Clerk.
Glyn Valley Tramway Trust – Mrs J Allen.
Aqueduct Community Association – Mrs J Allen.
Wrexham Community Play Scheme – Chairman.
School Transport Committee – Chairman, Vice--Chairman, Mr F Hemmings, Mrs H J Spragg with
Cllr Ian Roberts and Terry Evans.
2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Committee Mrs J Allen, Mrs C Gough, Mrs H Spragg, Mrs b Humphreys,
Mr F Hemmings, Mr N James.
Black Park Chapel Project – Ms H Pepler, Mr B Evans.
4.NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING.
Sgt Dawn Samuels and PCSO’s Stephen Griffiths were welcomed to the meeting.
PCSO Griffiths gave details of crimes reported since the last meeting as follows: - Violence against person – 1 (detected); Theft/Handling – 2 (1 Shoplifter detected); Criminal Danage – 1; Burglary !dwelling) – (1 suspect in custody); Anti social incidents – 4. The officer also said that he and his colleague had dealt with several incidents at the Millennium Gardens and seized some alcohol and had moved youths away. Notices regarding the Alcohol Control Zone had been put up.However, members were extremely concerned at the continuing anti social behaviour and the damage being done. The bench seat had been vandalised and pulled out of its fastening, litter bins had been torched and burnt out and beer cans, bottles and broken glass left at the Millennium Gardens and the play areas and recreation grounds.
Members questioned why, in the circumstances described, alcohol was being allowed to be consumed in the Alcohol Control Zone. Councillors also said that under age persons were obtaining alcohol from local shops.
It is a continuing problem and members asked the officers to patrol these “hot spot” areas and take appropriate action.
Sgt Dawn Samuels said she was the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Wrexham Rural in the new North Wales Policing set-up that started on the 4th May 2011. Sgt Samuels said that the restructuring had caused hiccups and these were being resolved. With regard to the policing of Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley the compliment of Neighbourhood Policing Officers was three PCSOs – two for Chirk and one for the Ceiriog Valley but all three being stationed at Chirk Police Station. Also, that while there was no dedicated Community Beat manager for this area 14 CBM’s are stationed at Rhos and Coedpoeth Police Stations and would cover the whole area dealing with reported incidents, visiting complainants and usual neighbourhood policing work dealing with crime. Sgt Samuels said there was also back up teams and a team for emergencies. In answer to questions Sgt Samuels said that the PSCO’s would work a 3 shift system with evening patrols included and the officers and would have back up from police officers and special policing teams. PCSO’s would highlight any hot spots to the CBM’s at Rhos who would be working later hours.
Members were concerned at the loss of the Police Constable/Dedicated Community Beat Manager at Chirk Police Station and the fact that there would be less officers seen patrolling the area on foot.
Another matter of concern was the loss of contact and a vital link with a Police Inspector as previously he /she would attend meetings of the Council on a fairly regular basis and to whom members could discuss matters concerning the community and from whom members could receive direct answers.
The Clerk informed the Council that he had invited the Inspector to attend a meeting with the Council and the reply was that Sgt Mark Williams is to attend the next meeting.
The Chairman thanked both officers for their attendance and information reports.
5.MINUTES.
The minutes of the Council meetings held the 27th April 2011 were confirmed as a correct record.
6.MATTERS ARISING.
129.Reports Council Representatives – Chirk Environmental Liaison Group.
It was reported that dust clouds from Kronospan had been emitted to the atmosphere and residential areas of Chirk since the last meeting that had appeared to come from the very high waste wood piles on the factory’s log yard area. Members had reported the incidents to the factory and Wrexham CBC.
There was much concern over the continuing emissions of dust into the neighbourhood and the Council decided to ask for a report to be given to the next meeting of the Chirk Environmental Group.
It was also agreed that the residents of Chirk should be encouraged to make their complaints known to Wrexham CBC Public Protection Department and to Kronospan as soon as an incident occurs.
7.MEMBER’S ATTENDANCE RECORD.
The Clerk had provided each member with a list of attendances during the past year and these were noted by all.
8.DATES OF MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.
The following dates for the monthly ordinary meetings of the Council were decided upon for the coming year.
2011 June – 29th; July – 27th; September – 28th; October – 26th; November – 30th; December – to be decided;
2012 January – 25th; February – 29th; March 28th; April – 25th; May - 30th.
9.REPORT - THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE.
Members received a copy of the report of the meeting held the 11th May 2011 that was duly accepted.
10.NOTICE OF AUDIT.
The Clerk reported receipt of the notice of audit of the Council’s accounts for the year ending 31st March 2011 that would take place on the 31st July 2011. The Clerk also said that notices of the audit will be posted in due course.
This information was noted.
11.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
.Proposed Merger of Chirk Infants and Ceiriog Junior Schools
Cllr Clare Gough declared interest in this item.
Cllr Raymond Smith drew attention to the merger proposal and to meetings that had taken place with the governors of each school with officers of the local education authority.
Members made comments of what they had heard in the matter. It was noted that not all the information given at the Governor’s meetings was the same so that confusion has arisen as to what the proper should be.
Cllr Smith said that the Council was not being formally consulted though the consultation process was to be from September.
A lengthy debate followed ending with a proposal by Cllr Spragg and seconded by Cllr Barry Evans that the Council oppose the proposed merger until new premises are available to accommodate both schools being defeated by a majority vote in favour of an amendment by Cllr Pepler, seconded by Cllr Smith that the Council ask for an officer from the education department, Wrexham CBC to attend a meeting of the Council.
.Wrexham CBC Mayor making Ceremony.
Cllr Hilary Spragg said that she and other members had attended the ceremony and congratulated Cllr Ian Roberts on being made mayor of Wrexham County Borough for the coming year and congratulations also to his wife Hilary on being made Mayoress.
Glyn Valley Tramway Trust.
Cllr Jacqueline Allen reported on her attendance at a recent meeting of the Trust when in connection with the application for planning permission for the steam railway the Trust needed to have a BAT survey carried out. Fund raising was going ahead and Wilfred the mini train would be at Chirk’s Fun Day and at the Hospital Fete.
12.REPORT – WREXHAM CBC MEMBERS.
Cllr Terry Evans informed the Council that grass cutting around the housing estates had been carried out but not to a good enough standard and further work is to be carried to rake up and clear away the large amount of grass that has been left at the sites. Cllr Evans also said that the slabs and the light around the Cenotaph are to be replaced; remedial works are to carried out at Telford Rise; an oak tree at Chirk Infant’s school is to be attended to.
13.ANNIVERSARY DEDICATION OF THE BLACK PARK COLLIERY MONUMENT.
The Clerk reported receipt of an invitation to councillors to attend this event organised by the community at Black Park that would take place at the site of the Monument on Sunday 30th May at 3pm. The Chairman of the Council would speak on the Council’s behalf.
14.BIBLES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.
The Clerk informed the Council that he had heard from Vicar Rees and that he had agreed on the Council’s behalf to order Bibles for children leaving junior education this year. The Council agreed to purchase the Bibles and for the Chairman to attend the Presentation events.
15.A5/A483 CHIRK & NEWBRIDGE BYPASSES.
Cllr Spragg said she was still concerned about the safety of the bypass road particularly at overtaking manoeuvres on the approaches to the bridges and on the bridges themselves and said at least appropriate signage should be put to stop overtaking at these points. Cllr Terry Evans said that average speed cameras from Gledred to Ruabon would solve problems.The Council decided to ask the Police Traffic Inspector to attend a meeting with the Council to discuss matters.
16.CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the under-mentioned correspondence that was considered and dealt with:
1.Letter from Wrexham CBC regarding nominations for the Owain Glyndwr Scheme in respect of playing fields. The Council agreed to nominate Brynkinalt Park.
2.Newsletter from the Shrewsbury/Chester Rail User’s Association together with notice for the renewal of membership. It was agreed to renew the Council’s membership the fee being £10.
3.Invitation to attend the Worshipful Mayor of Wrexham’s Church Service. As the Chairman was unable to attend the Vice Chairman agreed to represent the Council at this special event.
17.PLANNING MATTERS.
Report of Plans Committee.
.Planning Applications.
The Clerk reported to the Council that the Plans Committee had dealt with applications received from the Chief Planning Officer in accordance with the consultation procedures as follows: -
P/2011/0199 AMENDED PLANS for Demolition of existing single storey 30 bedroom Residential Care Home and phased construction of new two storey 72 bedroom EMI Nursing Facility – Chirk Court Care Home, Maesywaun, Chirk.
The Council objects to the proposed development as no proper provision has been made for local elderly residential care patients. The Council considers that there is an essential need for permanent accommodation for Elderly Residential Car Patients and that the provision should be properly designated in the proposals and maintained in the proposed development.
P/2011/0322 Replacement Porch and Pitched roof over Garage – Oaklea, Pentre
The Council has No Objection to the proposed development.
.Certificates of Decision.
The following Certificates of Decision were received form the Chief Planning Officer for information: -
P/2010/0959 Permission granted for the conversion and refurbishment of existing barn to provide carer accommodation for disabled child. – Ty Maen Farm, Pentre, Chirk.
P/2011/0057 Permission granted for the demolition of existing industrial units and erection of warehouse and offices to existing factory building – Richard Burbidge, Unit 23 Canal Wood Industrial Estate, Chirk.
P/2011/0118 Permission granted for single storey bedroom and shower extension – 15 Princess Avenue, Chirk
P/2011/0124 Permission granted for Replacement of flat roof with pitched roof on existing garage – 109 Crogen, Chirk.
P/2011/0127 Permission granted for variation of conditions at Penybont Landfill Site, Chirk.
P/2011/0207 Permission granted for the erection of a timber framed dwelling and new vehicular
access – land adjoining Plas Celyn, Pentre, Chirk.
P/2001/0242 Permission granted for an extension to dwelling and new vehicular access –
Rose Cottage, Tyn y Groes, Chirk.
P/2011/0203 Wrexham CBC hereby determines that prior approval is not required for the
siting, design and external appearance for the formation of new access tracks –
Coed Gelli, off Newbridge Road, Pentre, Chirk.
18.ACCOUNTS.
1.Payments.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £6,737.95 were given to the Council and were passed for payment. (see addendum).
2.Accounts.
The Clerk handed out sheets that gave details of the Council’s accounts to the end of March 2011. These showed payments amounting to£99433.18 as against the estimate for the whole year to of £120111.00. These also showed a graph of the various headings of expenditure together with a Bank Reconciliation report.
This information was noted and the Clerk thanked for providing the report.
Signed Chairman 29th June 2011